“o Porto é uma nação” (Porto is a nation)

22.12.11

Torrelodones, Madrid

I was in Portugal last week doing a visit to some friends of mine. Only for a couple of days but had an amazing time as always. So this time I decided to write about it, a different city, Porto (or “Oporto” as referred by many speakers) After having visited a few times, I guess I’d be able to make some humble recommendations about the city :)

I have only seen the north of the country. Have been mainly in the city of Porto and some other smaller cities. As you may know, the country’s capital Lisbon is located on the south. They say that the city of Lisbon is more vibrant and sparkly compared to Porto. I’m not able to make this comparison. However, I can genuinely say that the paleness of Porto solely remains on the color of the buildings. Yeah, it’s kind of a gray town. Seasonal rains certainly have an impact on that impression. But overall, the city is pretty. Even I’d say quite pretty. And maybe somewhat mysterious. What I mean by that is neither the country nor the city of Porto has a a grand fame as the neighbor Spain. Well, speaking of myself, this is definitely what makes the city more interesting and attractive. You don’t expect too much before the visit, but you leave the country completely filled with splendid impressions. The food, people, culture, music just warm you inside. 

As the title shows, citizens of Porto like to draw a distinction between them and the rest of the nation. Indeed this could be fair. Porto is known to have the finest dishes in the country. It’s literally the only city where you could eat famous “Francesinha” (translated as little French lady), the traditional dish of the city. The city is also home to delicious port wine. 

Francesinha. (Toast with layers of meet inside, covered with cheese and a spicy sauce, also served with french fries)

D. Luis bridge, taken from Ribeira. A must see spot especially in summer. 

Lello bookstore. Recognized as the third most beautiful bookstore in the world. Also claimed that those unique stairs created the basis of J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for the stairs in Hogwarts. For HP fans, just another reason to love Porto :) 

S. Bento rail station. This station is seriously too elegant to be just a rail station. 

“Your legal high store”, a store that sells drugs/substitutes in downtown.

A lomography store in Rua de Almada. It’s the longest street in Porto and probably one of the hippiests. Full with tiny cozy stores. A local guidance is a must though.

Make sure to visit this super lovely city if you ever get a chance. A complete satisfaction is definitely guaranteed! 

Hugs from the Spanish capital.

Selin.

Living in a foreign country has been my dream since my childhood. Now, I have been living in Brno for over 3 months but it still seems like a dream. Living in a different city is one thing, but living in a totally different country is another. Not knowing the language, culture, anybody whom you can actually relate to is real hard. It is kinda challenge for everybody, especially for people who have been treated like a princess for their whole life (Yes, indeed that’s me). I can’t say that I am enjoying every single moment of being here, away from my family&friends. However, I am genuinely hoping that all of these experiences will get back to me as very good memories in the future. 

Life is good. Keep on smiling!

cmonstah:

iteeth:

dubiousmerchant

Reminds me of a conversation I overheard on the subway last night, in which a young woman was OUTRAGED that a friend would dare to ask her a question about Grey’s Anatomy, because she’s not the kind of person who watches Grey’s Anatomy.

cmonstah:

villagevoicemedia:

High Holidays: Six Delicious Marijuana-Infused Side Dishes

The holidays may be all about tradition, but when it comes to pot edibles, cookies and brownies are likely to extract a round of yawns, even before they’re consumed. Here are six classic dishes re-imagined.

Handy.

<3

theworldwelivein:

Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
© ღMayuღ

theworldwelivein:

Enter the Winter Wonderland |  Schwarzwald, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany
©  Andreas Wonisch

I wonder what the world would be like if we were all treated equally.

If all missing children were on the news instead of just a select few.

If the life of one person would be just as important as the life of another, regardless of race or wealth.

I wonder what the world would be like if vegetables weren’t more expensive than a bag of chips and a can of soda.

If the Government actually cared for it’s people.

If our daughters didn’t have to be so concerned about their image.

If our sons wouldn’t have to fear getting bullied at school for being different.

If the news wasn’t so biased.

I wonder what the world would be like if we all respected one another.

If fast food restaurants were actually healthy and good for our children.

If good music was actually on the radio.

If women were respected and given the same Rights as men.

If children weren’t neglected and if they were actually treated as the leaders of tomorrow.

If everybody could read and write.

I wonder what the World would be like if we all knew the simple truth that we are the World and we have the power to change any and everything

Well, what’s true is true. 

My cat, Furby. Isn’t she stunning?